The award nominations are submitted by clients, and the winners are voted for by XBIZ staff, industry colleagues and participating organizations. Organized by the adult industry trade magazine XBIZ, the awards were first given in 2003.
XBIZ Awards are given annually to honor "individuals, companies, performers and products that play an essential part in the growth and success of adult films" and have been described by XBIZ publisher and founder Alec Helmy as being "born out of the industry's desire for an awards event that not only encompasses all facets of the business but one which presents it in a professional light and honors it with class".